Naturally, one of my favorite parts of the trip. The interesting thing about Toronto (and Canada in general thus far) is that they are very much into their boutique industry. While you have your major retailers, small business is thriving. What makes this possible is Toronto’s perfection of what most people think is an American thing: The Mall. You get a group of stores together in one place – people flock to it in Toronto. So whether it is a neighborhood, district, or standard mall, you’re sure to find something to tickle your shopping fancy.
The PATH – To me, the PATH is ingenious! Submerged under the buildings of downtown Toronto, the PATH is like a rabbit’s warren of shopping and eating! The 27-kilometers of shops and restaurants were the city’s answer to sprawling development that leveled older shops and districts during the 1960’s. According to Fodor’s, as each major building went up (i.e. the RBC building, CBC broadcast center, etc.) each development agreed to create underground space and connect the tunnels to retail, as well as public transportation (Remember the subway we never took?). With 1,200 shops, the PATH provides a place for people to wander about shielded from the traffic and the elements. While Lenny and I only spent enough time underground to get some water and stop at a local drugstore – it definitely piqued my interest and landed on my “next time” list. But don’t run out of time like we did! PATH stores are open as long as the building above it is open. That means 6:00pm is much too late to purchase that cute scarf you saw. With several entrances above ground and access to attractions such as the Hockey Hall of Fame – the PATH is worth the excursion!
Kensington Market – Kensington Market is definitely what you would call the center of a more “bohemian” nature. While not exactly a market – its more like a series of streets – there’s definitely a lot to see, taste, and smell while there. Roughly between Augusta and Spadina Avenue, this eclectic collection of shops might scare the square, so to speak. At least to me, Kensington Market is the modern day version of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury area. There is an air of counter-culture and the only thing conservative there would be the prices. It was a nice walk through the neighborhood and I’m glad I stepped into a few of the shops spaces.
Global Cheese – Okay, I’m a cheese-a-holic. I admit it. And up until I walked into the very pungent Global Cheese, I’d never been to an actual cheese monger’s shop. But let me tell you, it was an education. For Lenny though…not me. As we strolled for the narrow aisles, I listed vocally the different cheeses I had tried. And when we got to the glass case up front, I pointed out, “Wow…authentic chevre (goat cheese)!” Lenny looked into the case and said, “It’s moldy.” At which point I said that’s what made it authentic and added, “The spores make it tastier!” A few seconds later, we were back out on the street, my beloved husband wondering why I would eat something with mold on it. While I didn’t get to sample any of the 150 varieties of cheese there (ask though and you shall receive a taste) – I can tell you it’s a great place to pick up a hunk of something and a pack of crackers for a tasty snack later on. (76 Kensington Avenue Phone: 416-593-9251)
Chocolate Addict – Who wouldn’t want to walk into a store that had a huge sign proclaiming CHOCOLATE ADDICT!?! Naturally, Lenny and I rushed in. And yes, we did find all kinds of chocolate including some exotic flavors such as “spiced chocolate” (chocolate with cayenne or Cajun pepper mixed in), lavender truffles, and some of my favorite Asian candies. However, I was quickly reminded that one man’s treat is another man’s poison. Sitting next to the sweets were some delicacies such as sour cream and onion flavored crickets and chocolate covered insects. Don’t believe me? Thought so! I took the liberty of photographing them. But don’t let the odd treats divert you from finding some good candies you probably won’t find at home. (185 Baldwin St. Phone: 416-979-5809)
The GlobaAware Counterspace – In a row of houses that have mostly been converted into small businesses sits this little place that is solely dedicated to the angry, young idealist in you. In the U.S. it would probably be referred to by some serious types as a “Liberal Boutique.” The Kensington location doubles not only as a shop, but also an activist center. And there’s no doubt that Counterspace aims for the radical jugular judging by the number on anti-Bush, pro-environment, and anti-diamond buttons sitting on two tables out front. My shopping knows no politics, so I approached most of the articles for sale with a sense of humor. And you know what? There are some cool things there in terms of accessories and thought provocation! Make laughs, not war and give this place a shot! (19 Kensington Avenue Phone: 416-204-1984)
Queen Street Fashion District – Much like Kensington Market, the Queen Street Fashion District isn’t so much a shopping mall, but a collection of smaller, artisan powered stores. Goods are often handmade and high quality. That does mean sometimes you’re going to find higher prices. But the fashion district plays to the heartstrings of cutting edge fashionistas, the ears of music lovers, and minds of boutique culturists. Bring a pair of good walking shoes if you plan on walking the distance from University Avenue to Bathurst Street. It is definitely a long walk, but worth it for some great finds!
Magic Pony – This concept store drew me in because above the name of the shop printed on the front window, it said “Concept Shop and Gallery.” A WHAT?! So I walked inside. What you’ll find is a place that mixes the Japanese anime cool mixed with a whimsical “kid” theme, and a dash of geek cred. But the big draw here is the cool toys and gadgets that seem to be aimed more at the adults than kids. With it’s Star Wars themed jump drives ($110 CAD for 1GB!), plush toys that look like something out of a Tim Burton cartoon dream, and piggy banks that look like bunnies smoking cigarettes – I would venture to say that The Magic Pony is one high scale tchokies shop that is full of surprises! (694 Queen Street West Phone: 416-861-1684)
Ten Thousand Villages – If you are like me, you tend to bring home souvenir gifts for friends and family. And while I want to get them “something form Toronto,” I don’t want it to say Toronto in big orange letters. When I walked into Ten Thousand Villages I knew I was about to take care of some major business! Working with artisan groups in over 30 countries, the people that run this store are dedicated to the ideal of “fair trade” in order to deliver unique and quality goods. The drive behind the store inventory is to reach out to third world and impoverish countries to hire artisans that would otherwise be unemployed. The artisans create products that reflect their culture and craft. Ten Thousand Villages pays them upfront for their products and brings them into the store. The results are simply amazing: Baskets and serving platters made from magazines; purses and lunchboxes made from flattened aluminum cans; hand carved celadon boxes! I picked up handcrafted olive wood pins (from the West Bank) for my Mom, Grandmother, and middle sister. My kid sister made out with three hand woven and colorful Kaisa grass rings (from Bangladesh). So, if you’re looking to make a splash giftwise, while making a difference, shop at Ten Thousand Villages. (709 Queen Street West Phone: 416-703-2263)
Girl Friday – How could I not stop here?! When I found an entry for this boutique in Fodor’s, I knew I was making a visit! The Queen Street location is one of two stores that houses local designer, Rebecca Nixon’s frocks. For those of you in the size 0-8 range, you will simply die when you see the racks of stylish clothes that line the walls. The dresses are pretty, feminine, and reasonably priced. Separates from other lines are available as well. All in all, the modern career girl looking for something different or eye catching will find Girl Friday’s selection to be the antidote to the boring career styles found in regular retail stores. Sadly for us plus-sized gals, we are regulated to the “Great Equalizers:” Accessories and shoes housed in an armoire near the back of the store. The good news is, Nixon brings together fresh jewelry, cute shoes, and a couple well made bags that you will definitely want to snatch up. I walked out of the store with the cutest butterfly necklace ($15 CAD) that I couldn’t live without! (740 Queen Street West Phone: 416-364-2511)
South St. Lawrence Market – I have a special affection for East Coast style markets. If you’ve ever been to Boston’s Quincy Market, you’ll know what I’m taking about! There’s just something about the stalls and stalls of different types of food and merchandise that makes it different and special. A friend of mine recommended South St. Lawrence Market because they knew I’d enjoy it. The St. Lawrence Market area covers the area between Yonge Street and Jarvis Street (considered “Old Town” Toronto), but the South Market is one of the biggest attractions. The brick structure is two stories feast for the eyes and the taste buds thanks to the multicultural atmosphere. Lenny and I were able to complete our souvenir shopping with a few well purchased gifts. It’s an ideal place to pick up a ready made lunch or shop around and create your own impromptu picnic lunch to take out to the many green spaces around the block.
The Mustard Emporium – Kozlik’s Canadian Mustard operates as The Mustard Emporium and is a short distance into the brick structure coolness of St. Lawrence Market. Loving mustard as much as I love cheese, we stopped by to sample the wares. Kozlik’s has been making their multitude of mustard flavors since 1948. The signature brown lidded bottles are sold at a variety of locations, but the stand at St. Lawrence is a stand alone fortress of flavor. Step right up and sample recipies the nasal clearing Bordeaux, Hot Russian, and Horseradish flavors! Or perhaps you like it a little sweet? Then grab a bottle of Amazing Maple or Orange and Honey. Feeling a little daring? Try Iced and Wine or the Clobbered Cranberry! At $5.99 CAD per jar or 4 jars for $20 CAD, these bottles of rocket fuel made their way back to Arizona for a few of our gourmet/mustard loving friends. (South Market, Upper Level, Stall 19a Phone: 416-361-9788)
The Souvenir Market – Okay, so NOW we needed something that read “Toronto” in big orange letters. Alright, really it was a magnet that Lenny could trade with my Mom the next time we all got together. But just the same, we found this stall to be very helpful with some different pieces of Toronto tourism we hadn’t seen during our trip. Come here for what we call “last stop” items and you’ll find a decent deal. If magnets aren’t your thing, feel free to pick up an apron or box of maple candies and avoid the high prices you would normally find elsewhere. (South Market, Upper Level, Stall 23 Phone: 416-203-0033)
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